Yang Family Small Frame (Banhou Xiaojia)

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

I shot this image with my phone camera. I did a round of Yin Fu's 8 Palms before the group formed.

The Details: 

It's 49 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:35.

The Practice:

I went into The Studio to teach the 8-9:30 Taiji and Qigong class.

The focus this morning was on 'neutral postures'. I explained in detail. Here's a few things that were mentioned: 

- Strive to use 'neutral postures'; first at the ends of postures, eventually throughout transitions.

- Imagine being pulled when you are in a forward bow stance, ensuring that you do not go too far forward.

- Imagine being pushed when you are all the way back as in Roll Back, ensuring that you do not go too far backward. 

*The Standing posture Holding The Moon is a great example of a 'neutral posture'

I started with a Standing session using the standard arm positions and I added 'shift to one side' ala Play Guitar. Afterwards I described how I using Play Guitar to cultivate my Qi.

I also talked to the group about 'sinking one's Qi'

Next we did a round of The 10+ - I explained about a few of the principles that I use to progress 'internally'

Next we did a Round (right side) tuned into neutral postures.

We finished with a Healing Qigong then socializing and resting on the benches. 

Monday Practice

I didn't shoot a photo this morning. It just slipped my mind. Here's a photo from last week. The trees have popped since.

 The Details:

It was 47 here at the house with thick fog in the valley. Sunrise was at 5:36.

The Practice:

I started with a review of Taiji Staff, Monkey Staff and Low Family Staff in the driveway.

Next I reviewed Taiji 13 Spear Set on both the A and B sides (left side only).

Next I did a round of The 10+

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into sinking my Qi.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the sequence and quality of the postures.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the quality of my basics and postures.

I finished with a Healing Qigong

Sunday Practice

I shot this with my phone camera looking south towards East Hill. 
 

The Details:

It's 47 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:38. It looks like rain on and off.

The Practice:

I practiced up in the loft to classical music playing downstairs. Very pleasant!

I started with Standing in Wild Goose Leaves The Flock a BaguaZhang guard posture.

Next I did a blend of The 10+ (all of them) interspersed with the first half of Master Hayward's Warm Ups.

Tuned into the internal transformation that is slowly but surely happening as I practice these Qigong's daily.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into sinking my Qi

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into agility and martial applications.

Next I did a round of Seiuchin Kata tuned into the quality of my basics, smooth transitions and applications.

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

I'll be practicing Bass and regular Guitar this morning and afternoon.

Note:

We'll be cleaning The Barn today! Dylan's graduation party is on the 19th.....Two weeks from today!! Yikes! 

Saturday Practice

 

I shot this image with my phone camera. The view is looking to the west from just in front of my garage. 

The Details:

It's 47 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:40 this morning. 

The Practice:

I started with reviewing Taiji 13 Spear Set on the left side. I did both the A and the B side.

Next I did reviewed the Bagua Spear Set that I was working on back in the fall of 2023.

Next I did a round of The 10+ tuned in to the opening of my body and mind, breathing in fresh air and connecting to the earth and spring Qi. 

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into the Internal aspects of my training. Focused on sinking my Qi and mobilizing Jin. I was intrigued by the pod cast that I had listened to this morning and #8 from Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Point. 

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points:

#8 "The internal and external must be in coordination."

Master Paul Gallagher's commentary:

"The which is developed in Taiji Quan is spirit-vitality. Therefore it is said, 'The spirit is the leader, the body the follower. If one's vital spirit can be raised, then every movement can be light and nimble. The postures do not go beyond the principles of substantial and the insubstantial, opening and closing. When one opens, not only does a hand or foot extend, but the mind and intention must also extend outward. When one closes , not only does a hand or foot come in toward the body, but the mind and intention must also draw inward. If one can perfectly coordinate the external movement with the internal intention, then gradually there will be (no) gap whaterver between them."

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into the quality of my movements. I added more snap and focus than lately. I felt the form assisting in the transformation of my body. IMO - That's a continuous project. Because as you age the body continuous to change.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into quality basics, full extension, especially with the kicks. I also tuned into the feeling of transformation. I've been practicing this form since I learned it in 1975. 

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Friday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera. I just felt like practicing in the loft. 

The Details:

The sunrise was at 5:40 and it was 51 here at the house. Mostly cloudy and a wee bit chilly.

The Practice:

I practiced in The Loft looking down the valley towards East Hill. 

It was mid morning when I did a Round to Master T. T. Liang counting the beats to the music. It's been an interesting study. This morning I noticed how keeping to that particular tempo and count effected my sense of flow and rhythm. As a Drum Set Player I find this very interesting. I'm fascinated by all things time related. 

I also focused on the principle below:

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points of Taiji Quan:

#7 - "The upper and lower parts of the body must move as one unit."

Master Paul's commentary:

"The meaning of the above phrase is expressed as follows in the Taiji Classics, 'The root is in the foot, it sprouts in the leg, it is controlled by the waist, and energy moves up to the fingers. From the foot to the leg to the waist - - all must move as one unit.' If the hand moves, the waist moves, the foot moves the eyes and spirit intent follow the movement -- only this can be called moving the upper and lower parts of the body as one unit. If one part does not move, then the body's energy will be scattered and dispersed."

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa. I had a very nice flow balanced with solid basics. Nice round!

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata. I focused on the changes I've been pondering.

I finished with a brief Healing Qigong

Note:

I had a video chat from 8-9 with Jeff

Dead River gas guy got here early 8:30 to install our new gas grill and disconnect the old one.

Then a meeting with Shubal at Denny's at 10

Another busy morning!!

Stretch - Teaching Moments with Sifu Adam Mizner

Thursday Practice

 

          I shot this image with my phone camera around 10 am. It's a beautiful day in the Shire (Leyden)

The Details:

It was 50 first thing this morning. After my need to do asap chores (fasting blood draw in Bratt and lawn tractor to United in Gfld) it had warmed up to a cozy 60 in the sun. There was little to no wind. Beautiful day!

The Practice:

After a  brief warm up I did a Round (right side) to Master T. T. Liang's count and music. Tuned into my environment and The Classics (Principles)

Next I did a short Standing Meditation

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into the quality of my basics and the flow of the Anyo.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making to that form and the 'internal' ideas in the form and of course The Breathing in coordination with the postures.

Next I reviewed the first Yin Fu BaguaZhang set that I learned from Dr. Leung in 1979. 

[Bow] RIP - Gone but not forgotten!

I ended with a brief Healing Qigong

Note:

My left thumb and index finger are achy and tender again this morning. It's been several weeks since the initial irritation to the area the first time I tried to really practice a trill (triplet) with the right hand on bass guitar. I was working up White Rabbit by the Jefferson Airplane and having difficulty doing the triplet with two fingers so I thought I'd use my ring finger too! Oy! I was using WAY to much tension in my thumb while it was resting on the front pickup. Oy!! I'm wondering if all those decades of drum set playing and rudiment practice has had a negative effect on my thumbs. Hmmmm! 

Wednesday Practice - Day 8,341 -

 

                                                           The Daffodils are blooming! 

                                                Nature's qi is strong and potent in the spring;^)

The Details:

It was 50 at the house and raining with little to no wind. 

The Practice:

Yang Cheng Fu's 10 Essential Points of Taiji Quan:

#6 "Use mind-intent, do not use muscular force."

Master Paul's commentary:
"The treatise on Taiji Quan says, "The whole principle is to use mind-intent and not muscular force." When one practices Taiji the entire body must be relaxed and open, without using the slightest external muscular force, so that one can release the stagnation in the sinews, bodes, and blood vessels. After that one will be able to change (one's movements) lightly and nimbly and to turn the body at will. Some express doubts as to whether one can develop strength without using muscular force. Perhaps they do not realize that man's body contains path ways of energy as the earth contains subterranean watercourses, If the watercourses are not blocked, water will flow; if the meridians (energy channels) are not closed off, then qi will reach every part of the body without hindrance. If the entire body is full of stiff energy and the channels of energy are clogged, then the blood and qi will become stagnant, one's movements will be clumsy, and if even one hair is pulled, the entire body will move. If one does not use muscular force, but employs mind-intent, then wherever the is directed, the qi will follow. In this way, the qi and blood will flow freely and be conveyed to every part of the body without hindrance so that there is no stagnation or stoppage. If one practices for a long period of time, one will acquire the genuine intrinsic energy of Taiji. This is expressed in the Taiji Classics as follows, "When one has reached the ultimate point of softness and pliability, then one can reach the ultimate of strength and firmness." One who has fully mastered the art of Taiji has arms as soft as cotton externally, but with the weight of a heavy iron bar internally. One who practices an external art manifests his strength when using it; when he is not exerting energy, he is liable to float and be unsteady. One can see that such a person's energy is external "floating" energy. If one does not use mind-intent but uses only external muscular force, one can easily be trapped by an opponent and one's art will never reach a high level."

I started on the deck with a brief warm up

Next I did a Round (right side) to the music with Master T. T. Liang counting.

Next I did a brief Healing Qigong

Next I drove my Bimmer down to Hatfield to see Paul. We visited mostly and worked on a few things too:

Heel toe walking

Balancing on one leg

Taiji intro to connect to nature

Long left punch to my palm

Up and down with the arms - full range of motion

Note: 

He was able to release (Song) his left shoulder with mind intent - Fabulous!

Next I drove back to Leyden stopping on the way for gas and 2 China Gourmet lunch specials.

Morning Taiji Class.....Back in the day......

 

I ran across this photo yesterday. Back when the morning Taiji class was well attended. The early 2000's??

Do you recognize anyone?

Email me with any comments:

jrroysifu@gmail.com

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

                     I went into The Studio to teach the 8-9:39 am Taiji and Qigong Class.

The Details: 

It was warmer (the 50's) but rainy. It rained hard overnight with thunder and lighting too! April showers bring May flowers? 

The Practice:

I got to The Studio about 10 minutes early. It gave me time to get 'set up'. Change into my training sneakers etc. 

When folks started to come in we all visited for a bit. 

I started with The 10+ explaining a few of the principles that I've been working on. 

Ting (awareness) leads to Song (release/expand) - The idea is to create space inside the body. 

Hang the muscles - Open the joints

I also talked briefly about Song creates Peng and that those principles are throughout Taiji

I also talked briefly about Zhong Ding (relaxed balance) like a perpetual gyroscope inside. Eventually all encompassing and omnipresent. 

I briefly mentioned that I've observed that Taiji practice can keep one's gate youthful longer. It's not a panacea, but it does hedge you bets.

Next I did a Round (right side) at 70 bpm - I think that the group found it difficult to keep with the count. I tried to talk about the genius of Master Liang and the fact that he had the form all laid out in an accessible way to get a good feel for Pausing at the end of postures without stopping. Flowing on ceaselessly like a great river flowing towards the sea.

I did a brief Healing Qigong at the end of the Round.

After class there was a bit of visiting. 

Next I did a couple of rounds of Taiji Jian with Read, Janee and Pat

We ended with a bit more visiting. It was great to see these folks are still practicing and to be able to talk with human beings about what I'm currently working on. Yay!!

 A small but enthusiastic group this morning. Pat is the junior of the group about to celebrate her 15th year of practicing and studying Taiji and Qigong.

I'll be teaching at The Studio this morning

 

I'll be teaching Taiji and Qigong at The Studio this morning from 8-9:30. I hope to see you there!

Monday Practice

        I shot this image with my phone camera mid-morning. It was warm an delightful for exercising.

 The Details:

It was 59 at the house. Sunrise was at 5:47. It's cloudy but not raining! The spring qi is palpable, thick and strong here in the shire (Leyden).

The Practice:

I practiced in the driveway facing south.

I started with a round of Taiji Dao using Master T. T. Liang's sword. It felt fabulous to be practicing with his broadsword (Dao) again. It's heavier than I remember!

Next I did a modified warm up using The 10+ mostly, but interspersed with several other spontaneous improvised methods that I was inspired to do.

Next I did a Round (left side) to a metronome set at 70 bpm with two tones. I'm finding it helpful to maintain focus and to not overthink. I also focused on:

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points for Taiji Quan: 

Especially #5 "Sink the shoulders and let the elbows hang down loosely."

Master Paul's commentary on #5:

"Sinking the shoulders means that the shoulders must be relaxed and free and allowed to hang loosely. If one cannot relax them, they will begin to rise with the result that the qi will also rise and the entire body will be without real strength. Letting the elbows hand down loosely means to let them relax completely. If the elbows are held up, the shoulders will be unable to sink, and one will not be able to push an opponent far away. This will resemble the broken off energy of the external schools."

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito observing that my postures and flow are improving.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into the changes I'm making and the overall sequence and postures of the Kata.

I ended with a Healing Qigong

Note:

I'm getting many more spontaneous inspirations that lead me to new methods and exercises in Leyden. It's fabulous to practice here!

With gratitude and appreciation.

Sunday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera shortly after I got the fire going in the stove and picked up a bit. 

I have decades of history in this barn......Many fond memories going back to 2003 when we bought the property and started working towards what it's become. Living here is like living in a park with fabulous accommodations and a view that is captivating and accessible. I've been getting fabulous practices here. I think it's the vibe and the privacy. I'm going further inside; slowly, slowly, day by day I continue to take baby steps in my internal development. If you're patient it's fun!  

The Details:

It was 45 at the house this morning. Rain is in the forecast but nothing yet. It ended up being cool, a bit windy but sunny. I started a fire in the barn.

The Practice:

I practiced in The Barn interspersed with cleaning and organizing the space. I built a fire with some of the deadfall that I've been picking up since we arrived last Sunday. We've accomplished a lot since we arrived and have a ton more to go. 

I did a round of The 10+ interspersed with organizing The Barn and my practice space on the 'porch'.

Next I did a round to Master T. T. Liangs music with him counting out the beats. The CD player started screwing up during Part I so I used a metronome set at 70 bpm with two tones; one da, two da etc.....

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points of Taiji Quan:

#4 (Clearly) Distinguish the substantial and the insubstantial.

Master Paul Gallaghers commentary:

"The number one principle of the art of Taiji Quan is to clearly distinguish the substantial and the insubstantial. If the weight of the entire body is placed on the right foot, then the right foot is substantial, and the left foot is insubstantial; when the weight of the entire body is placed on the left foot (or leg) , then the left foot is substantial and the right is insubstantial. If one has learned to clearly distinguish the substantial and insubstantial , then one can begin to move lightly and nimbly, without using the least bit of clumsy strength. If one cannot distinguish substantial and insubstantial, then one's steps will be heavy and clumsy, one's stance will be insecure, and one will easily fall under the control of an opponent."